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Gardens of the Moon

The Malazan Book of the Fallen, Book 1

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Gardens of the Moon

Written by: Steven Erikson
Narrated by: Ralph Lister
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About this listen

Vast legions of gods, mages, humans, dragons and all manner of creatures play out the fate of the Malazan Empire in this first book in a major epic fantasy series

The Malazan Empire simmers with discontent, bled dry by interminable warfare, bitter infighting and bloody confrontations with the formidable Anomander Rake and his Tiste Andii, ancient and implacable sorcerers. Even the imperial legions, long inured to the bloodshed, yearn for some respite. Yet Empress Laseen's rule remains absolute, enforced by her dread Claw assassins.

For Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his squad of Bridgeburners, and for Tattersail, surviving cadre mage of the Second Legion, the aftermath of the siege of Pale should have been a time to mourn the many dead. But Darujhistan, last of the Free Cities of Genabackis, yet holds out. It is to this ancient citadel that Laseen turns her predatory gaze.

However, it would appear that the Empire is not alone in this great game. Sinister, shadowbound forces are gathering as the gods themselves prepare to play their hand....

Conceived and written on a panoramic scale, Gardens of the Moon is epic fantasy of the highest order - an enthralling adventure by an outstanding new voice.

©1999 by Steven Erikson. (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.
Action & Adventure Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Military Sword & Sorcery Magic Users Wizardry
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What the critics say

"Erikson is an extraordinary writer. My advice to anyone who might listen to me is, Treat yourself to Gardens of the Moon. And my entirely selfish advice to Steven Erikson is, write faster." --Stephen R. Donaldson

"I stand slack-jawed in awe of The Malazan Book of the Fallen. This masterwork of imagination may be the high water mark of epic fantasy. This marathon of ambition has a depth and breadth and sense of vast reaches of inimical time unlike anything else available today. The Black Company, Zelazny's Amber, Vance's Dying Earth, and other mighty drumbeats are but foreshadowings of this dark dragon's hoard." --Glen Cook

"A world that is both absorbing on a human level and full of magical sublimity...a wonderfully grand conception...splendidly written...fiendishly readable." --Adam Roberts

Featured Article: The Best Fantasy Audiobook Series

From grim worlds of gritty war and betrayal to light-hearted stories of romance, adventure, and magic, fantasy has it all. It’s the genre to listen to for a little escapism and a lot of enjoyment. And it’s one that is constantly updated with new names, new voices, and new stories to explore.

What listeners say about Gardens of the Moon

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The beginning of an odyssey

Stephen Erickson is an amazing story teller.
he will keep you returning again and again.
the characters and their tales are so engrossing, you feel part of it all. when a character ends... it's like I've lost my own friend
I've read all his books 4 times now... I'll read them again I'm sure

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Great story with an engaging narrator

The narrator did a great job bringing the voices to life and making each one feel unique, deserving of such a great story.

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    3 out of 5 stars

An ok start

The first half of this book is very confusing, like you're missing all the backstory. By the end though it is very great. Stick through it!

The narrator jumps between chapters too quick, mak8ng it tough to follow.

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amazing

amazing story..well narrated considering the large cast enough variety in his voices that you never confuse characters for another

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Cropper shares your thirst, for books and for wine

A lot going on and it takes a bit longer than many books to understand who all the characters are as their backstories are brought out after meeting them. Amazing book once you know this and the characters are all extremely well done. Cropper is obviously my favorite and if he isn't yours then you may need to think about your life.

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Love these books!

Found that some of the voices chosen didn’t well suit the characters however well read otherwise. Ericsson’s story and characters are spectacular and rich and the scope of the story has me almost painfully but delightfully engaged.

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So it begins

Loved every second. Can’t wait to listen to the next book. Character and world building at its best



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Great Book !!

Don’t give up on it takes a while to get into a little confusing with character development. A really worthwhile story over all though. I’m downloading the second as I write this fully hooked lol.

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3 people found this helpful

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Challenging audiobook listen

A lot of characters and information thrown at the listener right away. The lack of pauses between cuts to different scenes and characters led to confusion time and time again. I had to replay the first 4 hours because I was so lost.
Otherwise the narrator gives a great performance, and the writer provides a rich world of lore and detailed characters.

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1 person found this helpful

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Good story

This is a good story. Ralph Lister had some inconsistent voices, and also had some trouble creating differing voices over such a large cast, but he does a good job at reading it. Near the end chapters things got kind of confusing and I found myself listening to segments over and over again to discern what had actually happened. But overall this was a very enjoyable listen.

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2 people found this helpful